Band: Mudmen
Album: Farmers Tan
Release Date:
Genre: Celtic Rock
https://soundcloud.com/rob-campbell-574455063/farmers-tan?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
Canada’s own Bagpipe yielding, Celtic rock playing, Robby and Sandy Campbell, will be celebrating their 25th anniversary in 2023 since their debut as The Campbell Brothers, now known as Mudmen who was recognized by EMI while supporting the Irish Rovers back in 1998.
To celebrate this milestone in their historic career as two of the top Pipers, in my opinion, of the world, have released their 11th studio album to date, Farmers Tan. The Campbell Brothers are able to write songs that showcase their ability to stun an audience with the skill and power of the bagpipes and how they can be blended into a perfectly crafted song.
The album starts off with the first single from the album “Farmers Tan,” which has become a crowd favourite while performing live. Written as an homage to all the farmers who work tirelessly day and night to ensure there is food on our tables, working endless hours. It is the perfect “Thank You” to show their appreciation for these hardworking people.
The song “3:17” is a fun drinking song dedicated to the holiday, Saint Patricks Day, which is also another crowd favourite that gets everyone up and dancing and celebrating together. Expect this to be a staple at any drinking establishment on Saint Patricks Day for years to come!
Things slow down with the ballad titled “The Rose That Never Dies,” which has some of the most beautiful and emotional chemistry between the bagpipes and drums you will hear mixed with a pedal steel guitar sound.
“Lady Luck” becomes another favourite among the live crowd that encourages singing and dancing and how the luck of the Irish is obtainable if you maintain positivity and follow the rules of luck. Whether it be “knocking on wood, or a rabbit’s foot, it will bring you luck” because Lady Luck has fate written.
High-energy “Good Guy” will keep you tapping your feet to the beat and dancing in your seat. Bringing the message that the good guy always wins will help you overcome your demons and be the better person and take pride in being the good guy in any situation. Respect is a 2-way street that we need to swallow our pride and embrace respect for our fellow man.
Overall, Farmers Tan is the perfect addition to the Mudmens historic catalogue of albums and hits. The Campbells brothers have shown again why they have accomplished what they have in their careers; whether it be being spotlighted numerous times throughout 2007 -2015 on CBC’s Hockey Night In Canada, performing for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Second on Canada Day in the Nations Capital, 12 Walk of Fame Ceremonies, numerous Playstation, and Xbox video games, critically acclaimed HBO series ‘Shameless,’ as well as the intro music for the WWE tag team The Highlanders.
In the words of CBC Hockey Night In Canada presenter, Ron MacLean states, “Mudmen, we love ‘em!”. Show your support and purchase the album, and if you’re new to the Campbell Brothers and the Mudmen, I encourage checking out their previous work. The songwriting and musicianship are superb on this album, just wish the producer didn’t make it sound like they were mixing a cake. Experiencing these musicians live will blow you away and get you walking away as fans. Make sure to see them when they come to your town, and they will be more than happy to say Hi, and sign a few autographs.